DEVELOPMENTAL & REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY RESEARCH
Styrene is not classified as a reproductive or developmental toxin.
Comprehensive reviews of the developmental and reproductive data indicate that styrene does not cause birth defects (is not teratogenic), and provides little indication that styrene exposure could lead to developmental or reproductive toxicity, including potential endocrine disrupter effects (see following section).
In 1995, SIRC sponsored an update of a published review of reproductive and developmental studies on styrene by Dr. Nigel Brown of the University of London. Dr. Brown concluded, "the potential developmental toxicity of styrene has been tested in several mammalian experimental species, but only one study is of good quality. Throughout all studies, there is no evidence for teratogenicity [i.e. birth defects]. There are reports of increases in embryonic, fetal, and neonatal death...but these effects are restricted to exposures that are maternally toxic. There is a lack of well-replicated studies, but the bulk of information suggests that styrene does not exert any specific developmental toxicities."
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists have reviewed the reproductive and developmental toxicity data and have not classified styrene as a reproductive or developmental toxicant.
Styrene & Human Health Pages:
- Main
- Carcinogenicity Research
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity Research
- Endocrine Disrupter Information
- Genotoxicity Research
- Neurotoxicity Research
- Styrene and Children's Health
- Styrene Metabolism and Mode of Action
- Styrene Occurrence in Food
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